Pleae tell me you don't get a cold from the cold air - Colds & Flu Message Board

Felipe · 10-14-2002, 04:15 PM

My mom is ignorant on about every subject you can cross. So what I want to know is is it true or not that colds come from the cold air? The only reason they are associated with cold air is because the cold virus/bacteria thrives in the cold enviroment and people catch it more often in the cold weather because it lives longer. My health teacher told me this last year, and its really becomming a pain to yell at her to get het to understand. Thanks for your time.

Dianek · 10-18-2002, 03:13 PM

No, colds do not come from the cold air. The reason there are more upper respiratory infections in the fall/winter is because most people's homes are all closed up tight, letting no fresh air in the house, thus virus' stay around longer in the warm house environment.

I live in the Buffalo area, and I'm very used to the cold weather. If I leave the house for several hours, I turn my thermostat down and crack the kitchen window an inch or so, just to let in some fresh air.

Colds are caused by viruses, but one may be more susceptable to catching a cold if one is gets too chilled from being outside without a coat for instance, thus your immune system cannot fight off the cold virus as easily as it would if you didn't get that chill.

At least that's what I've read and come to believe. My family is much healthier since I've let some air exchange in the house several times a week during the winter.

Sehsun · 12-06-2002, 05:45 PM

Right! Colds are definitely NOT caused by the cold weather. Cold weather tends to make people spend more time indoors, around more people....so that's how people get sick sometimes.